Corporate consolidation

Greig & Stephenson Architects, jointly working with MVDG Interior Architects, has designed a major upgrade to the 36,000 sq m former Triport office complex at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, for Schiphol Real Estate.

The £12m project, rebranded as The Base, will be completed in late 2014 and will upgrade the three existing office buildings to create an interconnected complex with up-to-date facilities for airport related companies that meet the needs of today's international corporates.

It comprises a new 300m-long covered walkway set on a podium above the underground car park, linking the three existing office buildings that will lead into a new full height glazed atrium adjacent to the buildings. This will act as a focal point for meetings, corporate events and leisure space.

Also, there will be new retail facilities located along the route include a restaurant, bars, gymnasium, kindergarten, employment agencies, travel booking offices and a business centre.

Greig & Stephenson partner Nigel Stephenson, said: "Our brief was to bring these three 1980s unconnected office buildings up to modern day standards with associated retail and leisure facilities without taking the demolition and redevelopment route.

"Because of the location of these buildings it was decided that providing on-site retail, leisure, restaurant and café facilities with break-out spaces was vital to make the space attractive for potential occupiers and to increase rental income from the retail and leisure, " added Stephenson.

The firm is also refurbishing each of the office buildings in phases to provide shell & core space for letting to multiple occupiers with new ceilings, floors, partitioning, lighting and new toilets.

The new atrium and covered connecting routes are constructed in laminated timber frame on galvanised steel connections with sedum roof coverings. A natural Belgium hard stone flooring seamlessly connects all public areas and entrances to the building, with new ramps, terraces and landscaping.